How to apply
Could you be a part of our next cohort of AI researchers? Read our application guidance to find out how.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, you must select a project. Browse our projects and get in touch with the relevant supervisor for more information. If you're unsure, please email the CDT Admissions team for guidance.
What you need
A supporting statement is a one or two-page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research; the area(s) of research you’re interested in; why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester/Cambridge; any relevant research or work experience; the key findings of your previous research experience; and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
You'll need certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress.
The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) or any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).
Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.
Summarise your academic record and highlight experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.
Provide a certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. This isn’t required at the point of application, but you will need to provide it during the application process.
You will need the names and contact details of two academic referees who we can contact, and who will support your application.
- Funding for the AI in Decision CDT is primarily provided for UK students.
- Constraints applied by EPSRC limit the number of international students we can accept to a maximum of 30% of the cohort size.
- Funding amounts are fixed per student, with the amount available to cover fees set at the UK fee level. We will be responsible to find alternative sources of funding to cover their international fees.
Ready to apply?
Application deadline: 31 January 2025
Interviews: Around March / April
Decisions: Late-April / early May 2025
- Complete your application on The University of Manchester website.
- For applicants applying for the University of Cambridge projects: by submitting your application, you automatically consent to the sharing of your documents with the relevant supervisory team at the partner institution. If you require further details about the process, please contact our team by email before submitting your application.
- If you need support in submitting the online application form, you can use our videos on how to create an account and how to submit an application.
- When prompted on the online application form:
- Select your programme as PhD Artificial Intelligence CDT. Please note: Do not apply for PhD Computer Science.
- For research details, please indicate the project you are applying for.
- For funding sources, please choose the option: Research Council.
- Your application will now be sent to supervisors for consideration.
- If they are interested in progressing your application, you will be invited to an interview.
- View our postgraduate research website for advice on preparing for a postgraduate research interview.